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Don Goodman believes Burnley must do everything they can to retain Josh Brownhill amid Premier League interest

Josh Brownhill played an instrumental role in Burnley’s promotion this season and has subsequently attracted the interest of both Everton and West Ham.

According to a report from Football Insider, the Premier League pair are both "entering a race" to sign the 29-year-old as an uncertain contractual situation lingers on at Turf Moor.

The midfielder enjoyed a standout season with the Clarets, netting 18 league goals, a remarkable return considering he missed parts of the campaign with injury troubles, ending only one strike behind the league’s top goalscorer Joel Piroe.

The 29-year-old is currently at the peak of his powers and has never enjoyed such high personal stock, meaning if there was a time to achieve a move to a more competitive club, it would be now.

Scoring twice on the final day of the season may have been a fitting end for Brownhill at Burnley, who looks to be weighing up his options before making any decision on his future.

“Everything in their power” – Don Goodman fires Josh Brownhill verdict at Burnley amid Premier League interest

Speaking exclusively to Football League World, Sky Sports pundit and former EFL striker Don Goodman exclaimed just how much of a loss Brownhill would be for the Clarets in the top-flight.

“I think, given the season Josh Brownhill has just had, Burnley need to be doing absolutely everything, and I mean everything in their power to keep their skipper at Turf Moor, even if it means giving him the freedom of the city,” stated Goodman.

“But you saw all season, particularly when the pressure was on, the captain really stepped up and it would be an enormous blow if Burnley were to lose him.

“I can certainly understand why clubs like Everton and West Ham would be interested in a player like him.

“He's had the season of a lifetime, absolutely amazing.”

Burnley can’t afford to lose Josh Brownhill ahead of Premier League challenge

Recent years have seen a trend emerge of the promoted clubs from the Championship suffering relegation in the Premier League immediately. There has been a clear divide in the top-flight this season between Leicester, Southampton, Ipswich, and the rest of the division.

As a result, the task of retaining their Premier League status is made even more daunting for Burnley, who failed miserably when presented with the same task under Vincent Kompany two years ago.

A crucial factor in the Clarets’ fate is if they can recruit well, and most importantly, keep Brownhill.

Their captain has proven invaluable this season and despite Scott Parker’s side being famed for their defensive solidity throughout the campaign, the midfielder’s prolific form has been just as paramount to their overall success.

Two goals against Millwall to win on the final day of the season optimised Brownhill’s season. Parker hasn’t been shy in his desire to keep the midfielder at Turf Moor, but was hesitant to disclose much detail when queried on the matter.

“We'll probably just celebrate tonight with the team and we'll have some chats with Josh and see where his future lies,” explained the Clarets’ boss to the Burnley express.

“This game [against Millwall] probably epitomised Browny. We win 3-1, he scores two goals, scores the goal that gets us back in the game at 1-1…

“But this is a guy that brings solid traits, he’s an unbelievable professional, he’s been a main driver of what we tried to create in the changing room.

"He's been a true leader and a captain of this group and has been a major part of why we've done what we’ve done. His goals represent that as well.”

Decision time will soon be upon Brownhill as clubs begin to commence their extensive transfer plans, and if they aren’t already, Burnley must do everything in their power to secure their captain’s signature before they venture back into the Premier League.